Nuclear power offers a low-greenhouse-gas alternative to fossil fuels, contributing significantly to the U.S. electricity grid. However, the management of hazardous nuclear waste remains a challenge. Researchers are exploring innovative solutions beyond storage, aiming to harness this waste as a potential energy source. A recent breakthrough involves a novel battery powered by nuclear waste, offering a glimpse into a future where waste becomes a valuable resource.
Harnessing Gamma Radiation
Scientists in Ohio have developed a small battery prototype powered by the gamma radiation emitted from nuclear waste. This innovative approach utilizes scintillator crystals, materials that emit light upon absorbing radiation. The light produced by these crystals, when exposed to gamma radiation from nuclear waste, is then used to power a solar battery. This research, published in Optical Materials: X, suggests that even background levels of gamma radiation could power small electronic devices like microchips.
From Waste to Watts
“We’re harvesting something considered as waste and by nature, trying to turn it into treasure,” explains lead author Raymond Cao, director of Ohio State’s Nuclear Reactor Lab. The team tested the prototype using cesium-137 and cobalt-60, common radioactive byproducts of nuclear reactors. The battery generated 288 nanowatts with cesium-137 and 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60, enough to power a small sensor.
Scaling Up for the Future
While these power outputs seem modest compared to a standard 10W LED light bulb (requiring 10 million microwatts), the researchers believe their approach can be scaled up to produce power at the watt level and beyond. These batteries could find applications in environments where nuclear waste is generated, such as storage pools, offering potential advantages in longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
Potential and Further Development
“The nuclear battery concept is very promising,” states Ibrahim Oksuz, co-author and Ohio State mechanical and aerospace engineer. “There’s still lots of room for improvement, but I believe in the future, this approach will carve an important space for itself in both the energy production and sensors industry.”
The team suggests that the structure of the scintillator crystals plays a role in energy output. Larger crystals potentially absorb more radiation and emit more light, while a larger solar battery surface area can absorb more light and generate more energy.
Next Steps and Challenges
“This two-step process is still in its preliminary stages, but the next step involves generating greater watts with scale-up constructs,” Oksuz explains. While scaling up currently presents cost challenges, and further research is needed, this study demonstrates the potential to transform nuclear waste from a hazardous byproduct into a valuable energy source. With continued innovation, this “trash-to-treasure” approach could revolutionize waste management and energy production in the future.
